Revolutionary American Independence Analysis

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After the French and Indian War, the British and the colonists had to face rising tensions and problems resulting from the war. Due to a massive debt from two wars, the British king had to recover as quickly as possible. Since the British considered the war started in the colonies, the blame was placed on the colonists and thus the British became more involved in the colonies. Due to increased economic policies and tyrannic rulership from 1763 to 1783, ideas of American independence changed drastically from wanting fair representation to complete freedom from the crown. In the beginning of 1763-1783, the colonists viewed themselves as everyday British citizens. Some colonists even tried “to dissuade the members of [their] religious society …show more content…

Due to the price increase, colonists protested by dumping all the tea into the Boston Harbor. Certainly, tensions have risen from just wanting representation to a far greater need: independence. In the First Continental Congress, the colonists start military preparations. Still at this time, there were doubters among delegates as they only called for representation. Initially, there was a war for better rights, better representation, and better treatment from the crown. In the Second Continental Congress, opinions changed due to many factors. The delegates felt the cost of the war was too great to settle for better rights when they weren’t guaranteed. Also, Thomas Paine changed the opinions of a common citizen through his writings. Thomas Paine used God and heaven to explain to the people that the taxing and tyrannic power is wrong (Doc. 7). Thomas Paine says that Britain has “an army to enforce her tyranny”, but he argued that the colonists shouldn’t have to pay taxes that others don’t to a king that is an ocean away (Doc. 7). Thomas Paine says such things to support Patriotism and to call for greater colonial support of the Revolution (Doc. 7). Other philosophical documents that helped influence the idea for independence was the concept of the Social Contract. The Social Contract argued that government needs to have morals and should protect its citizens. Just like this concept, Samuel Adams believed that a person should be able to leave their government or society if that government is being oppressive and tyrannical (Doc. 3). Through Enlightenment ideas and religious aspects, patriots were able to influence the everyday colonist to fight for their